ENGLISH
REFERENCE

authoritarian

adj. · n.
US //əˌθɔɹəˈtɛɹiən// UK //ˌɔːθɔːɹɪtˈeəɹiən// au·thor·i·tar·i·an
  1. 1 strict and controlling (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Formal

    demanding that people obey completely and not allowing them any freedom.

    favouring or enforcing strict obedience to authority, especially that of the government, at the expense of personal freedom.

    Example

    The country was ruled by an authoritarian government for over thirty years.

    Example

    The transition from an authoritarian regime to a representative democracy proved to be a volatile process for the developing nation.

    Usage

    Commonly used to describe political systems, regimes, or leadership styles.
  2. 2 bossy or demanding (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    behaving like a person in power and expecting others to follow your orders without question.

    exhibiting a personality trait characterized by the desire to impose one's will on others through perceived or actual status.

    Example

    Her authoritarian manner made it difficult for her staff to suggest new ideas.

    Example

    The manager's authoritarian approach to project oversight stifled the creative autonomy of the design team.

    Usage

    Often describes a person's tone, manner, or parenting style.
Show 1 more senseShow fewer
  1. 3 a controlling person (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Formal

    a person who believes in or uses strict authority to control others.

    an individual who advocates for or practices strict obedience to authority.

    Example

    As a strict authoritarian, the headteacher rarely listened to the students' complaints.

    Example

    Political theorists often distinguish between a traditional conservative and a true authoritarian regarding the role of the state in private life.
    • autocrat
    • disciplinarian
Origin

From authority + -arian, circa 1880.

Word family

© 2026 English Reference